But because thunderstorms are small in size on the scale of existing
climate models it is not possible to tell whether they will also lead to
more tornadoes and larger size hail – two of the most damaging problems
associated with severe storms.

In a warmer world, increases in surface temperature and moisture create
conditions for more frequent – and intense – thunderstorms, researchers
say.

Climate change also decreases the temperature difference between the
poles and the equator. Harold Brooks, a researcher into severe
thunderstorms at the National Severe Storms Laboratory in the Norman,
Okla., is optimistic.

"According to latest research, the intensity of tornadoes will not
increase, therefore incidents like in Oklahoma are not expected to be
more frequent than today," Brooks said.

"However, most of the research on severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in
climate change has focused on the United States and it is unclear how
well the lessons learned there apply to the rest of the world."

While tornadoes are less of a problem outside the United States, heavy
hail frequently causes severe crop losses and property damage in Central
and Eastern Europe, across Bangladesh, India and other large land
masses. Early warnings like air raid sirens are sounded so people can
take shelter to avoid injury from hailstones.

Even in Finland, where the severe storms conference is taking place,
lightning, strong wind gusts and hail from thunderstorms are the most
damaging severe weather incidents.

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